From happy customers

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ALBA RODRIGUEZ REYES

Alba

Jan 2026

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Nuestra guía Adelina nos acompañó por el Coliseo, Foro Romano y Palatino explicándonos cada parada con mucho detalle y aportando datos curiosos en todo el recorrido. Encantados con nuestra experiencia.
Madalina Ignat
RO

Madalina

Romania
Jan 2026

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What I liked most about the Colosseum was the atmosphere and the powerful connection to history. Standing there, surrounded by such an iconic monument, made me feel like I was stepping back in time. The details of the structure and the stories behind it are truly impressive. It’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression.
Victor Manuel Leiva
ES

Victor

Spain
Jan 2026

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+1 more

The access and attraction itself were perfect. I didn't give it 5 stars because the host didn't show up at the meeting point and I had to contact them to find out what was going on. Once I called, they arrived within 5 minutes.
Richard hemming
GB

Richard

United Kingdom
Jan 2026

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Paula was absolutely fantastic very knowledgeable. The whole experience was well worth the money . St Peter's Basilica is just wow cannot recommend this tour and company enough thank you so much
Nicolas Valentin
FR

Nicolas

France
Jan 2026

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Hello, Frederic was a great guide with lots of fascinating anecdotes! Beyond the historical facts and the monument itself, the tour was very enjoyable!
Pablo Farias de la Torre
PE

Pablo

Peru
Jan 2026

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+2 more

It was a great experience, the guide was very attentive and dedicated. The staff were also very attentive. I highly recommend it, it was a great time.
Areti Skondra
GR

Areti

Greece
Jan 2026

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It was a lifetime experience. So many people, so many exhibits to see, so well organised. An unforgettable experience honestly.
IGNATIOS RAFAIL TZANNIDIS
GR

Ignatios

Greece
Jan 2026

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Amazing experience overall. A slight for sore eyes. It was easy to skip the line and visit the museums and the chapel. I will remember it forever!

Top things to do in Rome

What is the Papal Audience?

Have you ever wanted to see the Pope in real life? The Papal Audience is a great opportunity to do so. Every Wednesday at St. Peter's Square, the Pope greets and addresses pilgrims from all over the world. The Pope greets and addresses a gathering of Christian pilgrims, devotees, and inspired visitors around St. Peter’s Square. The Papal Audience is seen as a way for the Pope to keep in personal touch with his followers and strengthen their faith through his messages.

The Pope makes a reading and delivers a short sermon followed by the final prayer and a bestowal of Papal blessings. These are delivered in Italian, though, short summaries are provided in English and other languages.

  • Venue: Usually held in St. Peter’s Square; during inclement weather or extreme temperatures, it's moved to the Paul VI Audience Hall.
  • Time: Begins around 9am; security opens by 7:30am.
  • Duration: Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

A tradition that brings people together

The General Audience was started as early as 1939 by Pope Pius XII with the intention of praying for newly married couples. It ceased temporarily during World War II and resumed again in 1963 under Pope Paul VI to include all the faithful while speaking on themes each week such as hope, faith, and charity.

Over the decades, it has grown into a weekly event held (usually) every Wednesday, either in St. Peter’s Square or the Paul VI Hall. Pilgrims, families, and travelers alike attend—some for spiritual guidance, others simply for the rare opportunity to see the Pope in person. No matter your reason, you’ll be part of a deeply moving moment in the heart of Vatican life.

How can I attend the Papal Audience?

Crowd gathered at St. Peter's Basilica for new pope announcement, Vatican City.

Attending the Papal Audience is always free, but tickets are required for the main seated and standing sections to help manage crowds and ensure safety.

Tickets do not assign you a specific seat—they simply grant access to a particular section or area. Seating is always first-come, first-served: the earlier you arrive, the better your spot will be.

You can still attend without a ticket, but you’ll be limited to standing at the back of St. Peter’s Square. For a better view and overall experience, it’s best to request tickets at least 1 month in advance, especially in peak season.

Note: Newlyweds married within two months can request special seating (“sposi novelli” section) via the Prefecture.

How do I get Papal audience tickets?

1. Request directly from the Vatican

  • Website: Submit your request through the Prefecture of the Papal Household's official website.
  • Timing: It's advisable to request tickets at least 2 weeks in advance.
  • Pickup: Collect your tickets at the Bronze Door (under the right-hand colonnade of St. Peter's Square) between 3pm and 7pm on the day before the audience, or between 7am and 10am on the day of the audience.

2. Email request

  • Email: Send your request to visitorsoffice@pnac.org.
  • Details: Include the date of the audience, number of tickets, names, and contact information.
  • Pickup: Upon confirmation, you will be able to pick your ticket up at the Trevi Fountain between 3am and 7am. Specific instructions for ticket collection will be provided upon confirmation.

3. In-person request via the Swiss Guards

  • Location: Approach the Swiss Guards at the Bronze Door in St. Peter's Square.
  • Timing: Available 3 days prior to the audience.
  • Note: Tickets are limited and subject to availability; this method is not recommended during peak seasons.

4. Book a guided Papal Audience tour

For a seamless and enriching experience, consider booking the Papal Audience tour. This package includes:

  • Guaranteed seating at the Papal Audience with invitation to the Vatican Papal Audience.
  • Guided tour of the Papal Audience.

This option ensures you have a reserved spot and provides insightful commentary, enhancing your understanding of the event's significance.

Important notes:

  • For groups of 10 or more, advance reservation is required.
  • Tickets grant access to designated sections but do not guarantee specific seats; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Plan your visit to Papal audience

Vatican City crowd attending mass in St. Peter's Square.

The General Audience with the Pope happens every Wednesday and usually begins at 9am. Security usually allows visitors in by 7:30am.

The Pope’s official schedule is made known days ahead of the event. You can also refer to the Papal Audience calendar for dates when the event is held.

There are times when the Pope is overseas or is engaged in some work in which case the Papal Audience will not be held for that week.

Papal Audience

The Papal audience is held in the spacious St. Peter’s Square close to St. Peter’s Basilica. During the Winter and the rainy season, if weather conditions are unfavorable, the Papal audience is held at the Hall of The Pontifical Audiences, also called the Papal Hall, which can accommodate over 6000 visitors.

During the Italian holiday period in August, the Pope may reside in his summer residence - Castel Gandolfo, in which case the gathering will be held there.

Getting to the Vatican
Papal Audience

A casual dress code is followed during a Papal Audience since it happens outdoors. Being modestly dressed is still strongly advised. Shorts or dresses exposing the knees, tank tops, sleeveless shirts, and baseball caps inside the churches are not allowed. Ladies are required to cover up their shoulders if the meetings are held indoors.

Due to the heat, you may also want to bring sun hats, sunscreen, and water to keep yourself cool and protected. Men are permitted to wear hats throughout the Audience.

Read More on Vatican Dress Code
Papal Audience

Staff at the Papal Audience prioritize seating for wheelchair users. Wheelchair users are invited to sit in a premium seating location to the right of the Pope’s speaking platform and may even get a chance to interact with the Pope after the event has concluded.

Plan Your Visit to Vatican City
Papal Audience
  • Upon his arrival, as the Pope ascends the speaking platform, you are allowed to greet the Pope at the discretion of security.
  • Photography is allowed but without flash or tripods. Silence your mobile phones and maintain respectful behavior throughout the audience. Applause is encouraged at appropriate moments.
  • Large bags, backpacks, umbrellas, and sharp objects are not allowed. Only small handbags or clear plastic bags are permitted.
  • Food and drink are generally not allowed inside the audience area, except water.
  • Children are welcome but must be supervised at all times. Strollers are generally not allowed inside the seated areas.
  • Selling or distributing goods, flyers, or services within the audience area is strictly prohibited.
Rules & Regulations in Detail
  • Arrive early and aim for a seat along the central aisle to increase your chances of a close-up view as the Pope passes by in the Popemobile.
  • Photography is allowed, but use cameras respectfully—avoid flash or large equipment to not disrupt the audience.
  • Travel light to breeze through security; only small bags are allowed, and items like sharp objects, glass containers, and large backpacks are prohibited.
  • Bring rosaries, medals, or other religious items to receive the Pope’s Apostolic Blessing at the end of the audience.
  • “Saving seats” is frowned upon. For the best chance at sitting together, arrive as a group and enter the square when the gates open.
  • St. Peter’s Square is exposed to the elements. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat—especially in summer—as you may be outside for several hours.

What to expect during a Papal audience?

People from all over the world visit the Vatican with the hope of seeing the Pope and listening to his words of wisdom. Experience the following while you’re there:

Papal address

The Pope, as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church and successor to Saint Peter, holds a central role in guiding the faithful. During the Papal Audience, he often engages personally with the crowd—shaking hands, signing autographs, and greeting people from the Popemobile around 9am. He then delivers a catechetical teaching, offering reflections on themes like faith, hope, and charity, rooted in Scripture and aimed at inspiring Catholics worldwide.

St. Peter’s Square

St. Peter's Square, also known as Piazza San Pietro in Italian, is a massive open space located in Vatican City where the Papal audience is usually held. The square was built in the mid-17th century and is known for its grandeur, symmetry, and stunning Baroque architecture. It is oval in shape and measures approximately 240 meters in length and 180 meters in width, surrounded by colonnades of 284 Doric pillars symbolizing the arms of the Church.

Visit St. Peter's Square

Sermon and prayers

In his address to the faithful, the Pope will make a reading from the Gospels and disseminate small teachings in the form of a sermon based on the readings. To accommodate the international assembly, summaries of the Pope's message are provided in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Polish, and Arabic. He will also say the Our Father in Latin.

Apostolic blessing

The audience concludes with the Pope imparting the Apostolic Blessing. This blessing extends not only to those present but also to their loved ones, especially the sick and suffering. Attendees are encouraged to bring religious articles such as rosaries, medals, and prayer cards, which the Pope blesses during this time.

Frequently asked questions about the Papal audience in Vatican City

No, the Papal Audience is open to individuals of all faiths and backgrounds. It's an opportunity to hear the Pope's teachings and receive his blessing.

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